The Child Thief

A Novel

By: Dan Smith

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

In the tradition of City of Thieves and Child 44, a troubled World War I veteran races across the frozen steppe of 1930's Ukraine to save a child from a shadowy killer with unthinkable plans.

Luka is a war veteran who now wants nothing more than to have a quiet life with his family. His village has, so far, remained hidden from the advancing Soviet brutality. But everything changes the day a stranger arrives, pulling a sled bearing a terrible cargo. When the villagers’ fear turns deadly, they think they have saved themselves. But their anger has cursed them. In the chaos, a little girl has vanished, and Luka is the only man with the skills to find the stolen child and her kidnapper in these frozen lands. Besides, the missing girl is the best friend of Luka’s daughter, and he swears he will find her. Together, with his sons, Luka sets out across lands ravaged by war and gripped by treachery. Soon they realize that the man they are tracking is no ordinary criminal, but a skillful hunter using the child as bait in his twisted game. It will take all of Luka’s strength to battle the harshest of conditions and all of his wit to stay a step ahead of Soviet authorities. And though his toughest enemy is the man he tracks, his strongest bond is a promise to his family back home.

©2013 Dan Smith (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Wonderful Narration!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. At first the accent took a bit of getting used to, but really made the story ring true. It was an important component of feeling the characters brought to life.

What other book might you compare The Child Thief to and why?

This is a unique story, with a unique setting. it is difficult to compare it to other books.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not so much a scene but the setting. It was a character unto itself.

Any additional comments?

This is a very interesting listen, not a mystery so much as a thriller. At parts exciting and sad, but keeps you guessing. This is worth a listen.

WOW!! Just WOW!!

I had read this book a few years back and thought it was a great book. I bought it here on audible on a 2 credits for 3 books sale because I was curious on how it would be on audio and WOW!! It was like I was reading a totally different book! The narration is superb!!! This production was amazing !!

Best storyteller I’ve heard!

The accent makes the story sound authentic and draws your emotions in so much that you feel the characters are real. I will listen to more this author has written and more this actor has read. Highly recommendable!

Hard to underdstand

This narrator had the Russian accent and was hard to understand. the book was very different and I found it exciting

Interesting but takes a while to adjust to the narration

Interesting period, characters and plot. It took me quiet while to adjust to the narration.

Loved it!

This book was not my usual "style" but I really enjoyed it. It had a lot of twists and turns and kept my interest. In the audible version, the narrator is awesome. It was written in the first person and the narrator did a great job living the story! Many kudos.

Absolutely loved this book!

I'm hooked! Listened while on a road trip. Boy, did the time fly.


Can't wait for Dan Smith's next novel.

Stunning,gripping,a story of survival

When I started the book, it took me about 10 minutes to get accustomed to the narrator 's accent. Now, I believe it added authenticity and drama to the story.

Swept up in the descriptions of the cold, the landscapes, and the determination of Luka, I felt I was part of his journey, looking through the scope of his rifle, feeling my own tears as he faced loss, pain, and triumph.

This was a story that captured the conflict between good and evil, dignity and depravity,all set against a backdrop of war.

Amazing. In. Every. Way.

This is probably the best narration I've ever heard in an audio book. The story was beautiful, suspenseful, generous of human spirit and the amazing narration helped lift it to this level. I loved the descriptions of the cold as well as the slice of history. But most of all, I loved how the author built the suspense and an ending that does not disappoint. And while the book did have violence, the violence was never gratuitous as in so many books in this genre. This is a suspense/mystery novel that showcases literary writing, wonderful characters, and a compelling plot. And narration so good that it defies description.

Excellent Story, Excellent Narrator

Dear America,

With all your faults and idiosyncrasies, you are still the best, and I am proud to be an American. So many people do not have the freedoms we have, in spite of recent declines here at home. At least we are still entitled to a fair trial. I know I know. Sometimes they aren't fair, but usually they are and for that I am grateful. Yes, I know we are the "me" generation, but there are still so many who would give you the proverbial shirt off their backs if they saw your need. We still have a military who lays its collective life on the line for my freedom on a daily basis, even in a meaningless war. Yes you aren't perfect, but thank you for being as good as you are. Thank you for not being like so many countries in this world that deprive their citizens of even their very self worth, and require them to live in constant fear. Yes, the rumor is true, America. I love you,

A (Mostly) Free Citizen